WWII Imperial Japanese Navy Helmsman Excellence Badge Rare IJN Steering Award

  

Rare chance to own a piece of prewar Japan's military youth program - this silver medal was awarded to exceptional young men who represented the future of Imperial Japan's armed forces! This authentic Imperial Japanese Army medal is a "Youth Training Merit Award" presented by the Army Ministry to outstanding participants in Japan's youth military training program of the 1930s. Made of pure silver, this prestigious award comes complete with its original wooden box bearing the inscription (Memorial).

The medal features an intricately designed silver oval with cherry blossoms and laurel leaves surrounding the central character (Award/Prize). At the top is a gold-colored five-pointed star, symbolizing excellence and achievement. The reverse side contains the inscription " " (Youth Training Commendation Memorial, Army Ministry), officially marking it as a government-issued award. During the 1930s, Japan implemented mandatory military training for young men as part of its preparation for potential conflict.

The Youth Training Program was established to instill military discipline, physical fitness, and patriotic values in teenage boys before they reached draft age. Only the most exceptional performers received awards like this one - making it both historically significant and relatively rare today. The medal and its wooden box show some age-appropriate wear and minor tarnishing, but overall remain in remarkable condition for an item nearly 90 years old. The deep blue felt lining in the presentation box highlights the silver medal beautifully, just as it would have when presented to a proud young recipient decades ago.

For collectors of Japanese militaria or WWII-era youth organizations, this medal provides a fascinating glimpse into how Japan prepared its younger generation for the coming global conflict. The award represents not just military achievement, but the entire prewar Japanese system of youth indoctrination and preparation. Dimensions: Medal approximately 2 tall, complete with original wooden storage box.

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